Wednesday, April 28, 2010

By the time I am finally getting around to writing this post, we are closer to nine months than eight. Regardless, Month Seven was a big one and it brought lots of new, fun activities for Kaden.

First Padres Game

We spent a wonderful Sunday at the ballpark with friends. Kaden didn't seem too interested in the game, but had a great time watching all the people around us. Kevin assures himself that, if the Cardinals had been playing, the game would have had Kaden's rapt attention! Of course, Kaden sported his Cards hat!

Before After

First Sleep Over

Only seven months old and Kaden had his first sleep over with one of his best friends, Brooke. Brooke's fabulous grandmother volunteered to watch Kaden while Brooke's mom and I attended a yoga class. We had a wonderfully relaxing hour and a half knowing the kids were in good hands. Meanwhile, the kids behaved like perfect angles for Mrs. Castruita. They went down for naps soon after we left and woke up thirty minutes after we got back. All in all, a successful first slumber party!

New Sleeping Positions

Speaking of sleep, Kaden has a variety of new sleep positions. He is all over his crib and contorts himself into positions that look incredibly uncomfortable. Here are a few shots of my sleeping beauty.

Dinner with Gammi and Pop

Gam and Pop miss Kaden so much (and vice versa I'm sure) that we've figured out a way for them to visit in cyberspace. Most every evening, Kaden sits down to dinner and Gam and Pop join him via Skype. Kaden gets the biggest grin on his face when he hears the do do do do doot dial up. He gets an even bigger grin when he sees Gam and Pop and hears them sing The Itsy Bitsy Spider - his new favorite song! I know it doesn't take the place of them being close enough to touch, but it is an invaluable second-best option.

Music Class

Kaden is still attending (and loving) his music class. The new session, "Jungle Jive" brought new songs, dances, and friends. Kaden is still trying to eat most of the instruments, but this session he is experimenting with playing them too!

Other Updates

Teeth Teeth and More Teeth - Kaden has four teeth up top and two on the bottom. Everything goes in his mouth which makes me think he is getting even more! All those teeth must feel weird to him because he spends a lot of time grinding them - the WORST sound ever!

Puffs - These little puffs of air are Kaden's favorite part of mealtime. He feels like such a big boy when he successfully picks one up and places it in his mouth. He was a little uncoordinated at first, but now he has it down; he can't shovel them in fast enough. The best part, it keeps him occupied for long enough for me to prepare dinner.

Favorite Book - Right now, Kaden is thoroughly entertained by Where is Baby's Belly Button. This is a lift the flap bookthat reveals a baby's body parts - eyes, mouth, belly button, etc. He likes to help me turn the pages and acts surprised each time I lift the flap. Every once in a while I see a flash of understanding; he'll see the picture of the baby's feet and then look at his own. I think part of the reason he loves this book so much is that he loves playing Peek-a-Boo. He gets the biggest kick out of pulling away whatever it is that is hiding his face; he knows we like seeing that toothy grin as much as he likes showing it to us!

Big Brother - It is too bad we can't get Kaden a big brother because he is longing for one. Kaden stares in awe at every big kid that passes by. Be it running, riding a bike, swinging, or talking, he loves watching anything and everything the "big kids" do. Before he knows it, he will be one of those big kids. Oh the things to come...

Monday, April 26, 2010

I saw this on one of my friend's blogs today and it rang so true that I had to copy and paste it. Hopefully someone will find it as inspiring and calming as I did.

May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.It is there for each and every one of us.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Our little man has some breathing issues. I think I mentioned this in an earlier post, but at that time we thought the wheezing was associated with a virus or illness of some sort. Turns out Kaden has something called Reactive Airway Disease. This seems to be a generic term that has recently crept into the medical lexicon, but as far as I can tell it means episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing unrelated to any infection, virus, or other illness.

On the road to this vague diagnosis Kaden had to have a chest x-ray. This was conducted by the radiology department at the local children's hospital where, not unexpectedly, Kaden won the hearts of the radiologists and nurses. While the staff was checking out the doctor's order, I explained to Kaden why we were there and the purpose of the giant machine he was staring at with apprehension. Trying to ease what fear I assumed he was feeling, I told him that we were there so that the giant machine could take a picture of his insides and that the doctor would look at the picture so that she could help make him all better. As usual, he was very agreeable about the whole process and, when the radiologist announced that she was going to take his picture, Kaden gave his very best camera-ready grin. We all cracked up...which greatly pleased Kaden.

So, our new routine includes putting albuterol into a nebulizer (which looks like an air compressor one would use to blow up their bike tires or the like) two to three times daily and making Kaden wear this adorable mask for fifteen minutes or so. Not surprisingly, he isn't a huge fan of the new routine.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

My second cousin, Jenna, who is currently living in Cambodia, came to visit her parents and brought along her four month-old son, Boris. We were fortunate enough to spend some fun quality time with them while they were here. Kaden really enjoyed meeting his new cousin, but got a little too excited (read verbal) about his new friend. Below is a series of photos that pretty much captures their interaction.

Kaden smiling at Boris from afar and Boris returning the interest.

A little closer and Kaden couldn't contain his excitement; he squealed in delight which startled poor little Boris. You can't really see Boris' face in this photo, but it definitely wasn't a happy one.

Kaden looking around wondering what just happened ("Did I do that?") and Boris in mama's arms with the oh so adorable quivering bottom lip.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Kaden and his first Easter basket - courtesy of Gammi and Pop Kosh. It was ridiculously big! The one he got from the Easter Bunny was much smaller!

We had a wonderful outdoor brunch with friends.

Our handsome fellas.

In an attempt to take a photo of the family, I placed the camera on its timer setting and placed it on the front gate. Considering the gate kept swinging, and the camera came precariously close to falling, it didn't seem to work out so well.

A stationary setting seemed to turn out a much better photo...even if it was indoors.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

This past Saturday, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and went out for a hike/walk. We went to a nearby park - Torrey Pines Sate Natural Reserve - and walked to the top of the cliffs so that we could get a bird's eye view of the canyons and beaches below. It was a great way for us to get some exercise as a family. Kaden loved looking at all the vegetation from his stroller - pretty easy exercise excursion for him!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Kaden had his first trip to a pool and L-O-V-E-D it! We were in there so long his tiny toes shriveled up like prunes, but he still didn't want to get out. While I was holding him, he kicked his little legs and splashed at the water with his hands. Once he got in the float though, it was all over; he lounged back and made himself comfortable. I think he would have stayed there all day had I let him. I don't blame him, it looked like the perfect way to spend a sunny day!

HPF

KPF

KPF

Our Family Blog

Inspired by a friend who blogs about her children's adventures, I've decided to record our boys' experiences and milestones in a similar manner. I'm hopeful that my friends and family have half as much fun viewing our life as I have had reading about the Jefferies Family. While our blog may not be half as witty, I hope it is just as charming. More than anything, I hope it is a way for "far-away" family to feel as if they are sharing in our life.